I am pleased to tell you that this week we are bringing in two time Emmy award winning Josh Goode.
A little bit of background on Josh, he has been performing and playing music for well over a decade. The UT graduate has been touring for years all over the world, including Greenland, Japan, Italy, Egypt and the Caribbean Islands. He has more recently dedicated his talents to producing local artists and writing for television and film. Among his many accomplishments, his efforts have earned him two Emmy's in a two year a time span.
Josh has been playing at Mercy for over a year now and for those of you who have not had the opportunity to catch him live, this weekend would be a perfect time to start. His set list is very eclectic, mixing in his own originals as well as covering other great artists as well. His style reflects his love for blues and jazz but with a contemporary twist and pop driven hooks. His influences include but not limited to, Stevie Ray Vaughan, John Mayer, The Beatles, Jason Mraz and Led Zeppelin.
I hope to see you all this weekend and don't forget to reserve a table as this is sure to be a packed house.
Liz Williams
Monday, February 16, 2009
Monday, February 9, 2009
Discover Ollieux Romanis 2006 Alicante Bouchet
Mercy is the only United States venue to serve Ollieux Romanis 2006 Alicante Bouchet .
We have known about this wine for a very long time, but because it is so special, it is difficult to find. It is rare for us to be able to offer it. Once we knew it was available in the U.S., we immediately made arrangements to buy all 16 cases.
The reaction that we get from someone who is trying it for the first time is usually, 'Wow!,' It is very different, with a lot of unexpected flavors. It's more of a sipping wine because its flavors are so big and powerful. The wine fits perfectly with Mercy's goal of bringing rare and relatively undiscovered wines to Dallas.
Ollieux Romanis, a family-owned vineyard in the South of France, employs traditional methods to produce smooth and elegant wines. Their Alicante Bouchet grapes are grown on 85-year-old vines and create a bold wine with a distinctive olive-based flavor that is followed by hints of rosemary and thyme. The Alicante Bouchet grape is known as a productive fruit with an intense red flesh and juice, and is normally used as a blending grape. Ollieux Romanis is one of very few wineries offering Alicante Bouchet as a varietal.
Vincent Havard
We have known about this wine for a very long time, but because it is so special, it is difficult to find. It is rare for us to be able to offer it. Once we knew it was available in the U.S., we immediately made arrangements to buy all 16 cases.
The reaction that we get from someone who is trying it for the first time is usually, 'Wow!,' It is very different, with a lot of unexpected flavors. It's more of a sipping wine because its flavors are so big and powerful. The wine fits perfectly with Mercy's goal of bringing rare and relatively undiscovered wines to Dallas.
Ollieux Romanis, a family-owned vineyard in the South of France, employs traditional methods to produce smooth and elegant wines. Their Alicante Bouchet grapes are grown on 85-year-old vines and create a bold wine with a distinctive olive-based flavor that is followed by hints of rosemary and thyme. The Alicante Bouchet grape is known as a productive fruit with an intense red flesh and juice, and is normally used as a blending grape. Ollieux Romanis is one of very few wineries offering Alicante Bouchet as a varietal.
Vincent Havard
Monday, February 2, 2009
It's not all doom and gloom
If you watch the news you’ll actually begin to believe that the world is about to come to an end. With all of the gloom and doom about the economy there are many rays of hope and here is a good one for all of us.
In a recent Dallas Business Journal article: the Texas Restaurant Association said the Lone Star State is expected to lead the country, in terms of sales growth in 2009. Texas restaurants will employ more than one million Texans next year. The NRA forecasts that restaurant industry in US sales will increase by 2.5 percent over 2008.
“Even in these tough economic times, it is clear that the Texas restaurant industry is the best place to do business in the nation,” said Richie Jackson, TRA executive vice president/CEO. “While our country is coping with the weakest economy in decades, Texas restaurateurs continue to buck the trends and post positive sales and job growth.”
When the restaurant industry is doing well that flows back to the guests patronizing those restaurants. It means they have confidence and are still spending money. The ripple affect is huge. That means the suppliers and distributors do well because restaurants are ordering food and that flows back to the growers.
There is no question we are in uncertain and questionable times but the best we can do is continue to do a great job at what we do and keep moving forward.
Turn your TV off and feel better about the world!
Glen Agritelley
In a recent Dallas Business Journal article: the Texas Restaurant Association said the Lone Star State is expected to lead the country, in terms of sales growth in 2009. Texas restaurants will employ more than one million Texans next year. The NRA forecasts that restaurant industry in US sales will increase by 2.5 percent over 2008.
“Even in these tough economic times, it is clear that the Texas restaurant industry is the best place to do business in the nation,” said Richie Jackson, TRA executive vice president/CEO. “While our country is coping with the weakest economy in decades, Texas restaurateurs continue to buck the trends and post positive sales and job growth.”
When the restaurant industry is doing well that flows back to the guests patronizing those restaurants. It means they have confidence and are still spending money. The ripple affect is huge. That means the suppliers and distributors do well because restaurants are ordering food and that flows back to the growers.
There is no question we are in uncertain and questionable times but the best we can do is continue to do a great job at what we do and keep moving forward.
Turn your TV off and feel better about the world!
Glen Agritelley
Monday, January 26, 2009
Girl's Dining Night In
I love creating rich sensory experiences with food, whether for myself or for others. It has been the driving force behind the "Entertaining with Food and Wine" class that I conduct at Mercy.
Recently, I co-hosted a Girl's Night "In" and selected a favorite wine which was a Cotes du Rhone. My next task was to pick my recipe to pair with the wine selection.
I wanted something fairly easy, budget friendly, and homey. I selected "Risotto with Spicy Sausage" with blanched broccoli, roasted garlic and olive oil.
As I began to cook, I opened the bottle, pouring glasses for my guests and myself. The blend is 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre, and Cinsaults by one of my favorite producers, Santa Duc. The color is deep purplish ruby showing a full body with notes of chocolate, plum, pepper, herbs and earth.
I started on the recipe, sauteing the garlic and onions, (which forced a few tears from my eyes) before I added the spicy sausage and arborio rice.
This recipe requires you to add broth in ¼ cup increments stirring constantly, which is the only tedious part, but let me say that the rich creamy texture you end up with is well worth the effort! I finished by adding a splash of cream and Parmesan Reggiano.
As a side note: if you don't care for spicy dishes, the perfect solution would be to substitute a mild sausage for the spicy.
After plating the risotto and broccoli, I refreshed our glasses, and we popped in Sex and the City to complete our delicious evening together.
The wine really pulled the spice out of the food, at the same time balancing the richness. We finished the night as every girl's night should, with dark chocolate. I am not sure which was better the meal or just connecting with my girls, either way it was a fantastic night. I hope you are able to enjoy your dining experience as much as we did!
The Wine: 2005 Santa Duc Cotes Du Rhone Les Vieilles Vignes (old Vines)
The Recipe:
- 1 pound spicy Italian sausages, casings removed
- 1 1/2 cups chopped onion
- 3 large garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 1/4 cups medium-grain white rice
- 4 to 5 cups canned low-salt chicken broth
- 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
- 1/3 cup cream
Saute sausage, onion and garlic in large saucepan over medium heat until onion is tender, breaking up sausage with spoon: about 8 minutes. Add rice and stir 1 minute. Add 3 cups broth. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until broth is absorbed, stirring frequently. Continue to simmer until rice is just tender and mixture is creamy, adding more broth 1/4 cup at a time and stirring frequently. Mix in 1/4 cup cheese, 1/4 cup parsley 1/3 cup cream. Season with salt and pepper.
Transfer risotto to large bowl. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup parsley. Pass around remaining 1/4 cup cheese separately.
Bon Appetite !
Jacqueline Thain
Monday, January 19, 2009
Spotlight on Nathan Johnson
January Profile: Nathan Johnson appearing at Mercy on January 24th.
I first ran into Nathan Johnson when he was brought in to play a private Christmas Party at Mercy a couple of months ago. I immediately liked him and his ability to read a room with his eclectic set list. Nathan plays a wide range of cover tunes, from Elton John to Eric Clapton, not to mention his stellar originals as well.
Here is a little bit of background information on our newest performer: Nathan is a full time singer/songwriter and rising recording artist who tours full time, both solo and with backing players - as is reflected in his catalogue of songs. He is experienced in all types of venues & events, and is a humorous performer. As he has been named Indie Artist of the Month for January '08 (see www.texasmusictimes.com), the future surely holds great things for Nathan. He has performed at venues all over Texas and Oklahoma such as Gypsy Team Room, Club Dada, The Iron Horse Pub, MoMo's, Saxon Pub, plus many other events, outdoor festivals, colleges, and charities. He has opened up for Lisa Loeb, Bob Schneider, Monte Montgomery, Brave Combo, Feeding 5000, Roger Clyne and The Peace Makers, Lucy Kaplansky and others.
I'm proud to tell you that he will make his Mercy debut on January 24th @ 9pm. So be sure to show up early in order to grab a table close to the stage and enjoy the music.
You can check out all of the live entertainment that will be appearing at Mercy by clicking the "event calendar" link!
Also, if you or someone you know is interested in playing at Mercy feel free to email me a bio and mp3's to mercybookings@gmail.com.
Thanks everyone!
Liz Williams
I first ran into Nathan Johnson when he was brought in to play a private Christmas Party at Mercy a couple of months ago. I immediately liked him and his ability to read a room with his eclectic set list. Nathan plays a wide range of cover tunes, from Elton John to Eric Clapton, not to mention his stellar originals as well.
Here is a little bit of background information on our newest performer: Nathan is a full time singer/songwriter and rising recording artist who tours full time, both solo and with backing players - as is reflected in his catalogue of songs. He is experienced in all types of venues & events, and is a humorous performer. As he has been named Indie Artist of the Month for January '08 (see www.texasmusictimes.com), the future surely holds great things for Nathan. He has performed at venues all over Texas and Oklahoma such as Gypsy Team Room, Club Dada, The Iron Horse Pub, MoMo's, Saxon Pub, plus many other events, outdoor festivals, colleges, and charities. He has opened up for Lisa Loeb, Bob Schneider, Monte Montgomery, Brave Combo, Feeding 5000, Roger Clyne and The Peace Makers, Lucy Kaplansky and others.
I'm proud to tell you that he will make his Mercy debut on January 24th @ 9pm. So be sure to show up early in order to grab a table close to the stage and enjoy the music.
You can check out all of the live entertainment that will be appearing at Mercy by clicking the "event calendar" link!
Also, if you or someone you know is interested in playing at Mercy feel free to email me a bio and mp3's to mercybookings@gmail.com.
Thanks everyone!
Liz Williams
Monday, January 12, 2009
A new Pinot Noir offering
Van Duzer Estate Pinot Noir 2006
Willamette Valley, Oregon
WOW ! and when I say WoW , I mean it !
Those that say that Pinot Noirs from Oregon "lack body and are thin on the palette" have never experienced this offering. This Pinot Noir retains so much extraction from the fruit; it will make a Merlot seem pale.
Tasting and description
Equilibrium exists throughout this wine. It has good weight on the palette, an outstanding mouth feel. Silky, velvety with very soft tannins throughout with aromas of blackberry, crème de cassis, floral and a hint of purple jasmine. You will also taste some very tiny notes of espresso bean on the finish.
Van Duzer is a great experience that I invite you to share at Mercy :
Glass $25, Bottle $75
Vincent Havard
Willamette Valley, Oregon
WOW ! and when I say WoW , I mean it !
Those that say that Pinot Noirs from Oregon "lack body and are thin on the palette" have never experienced this offering. This Pinot Noir retains so much extraction from the fruit; it will make a Merlot seem pale.
Tasting and description
Equilibrium exists throughout this wine. It has good weight on the palette, an outstanding mouth feel. Silky, velvety with very soft tannins throughout with aromas of blackberry, crème de cassis, floral and a hint of purple jasmine. You will also taste some very tiny notes of espresso bean on the finish.
Van Duzer is a great experience that I invite you to share at Mercy :
Glass $25, Bottle $75
Vincent Havard
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
As we prepare to begin a new year
On behalf of the entire staff of Mercy Wine Bar, we hope that you have a wonderful holiday season and that the New Year brings you health, happiness and success. We would also like to thank you for your continued support in helping keep Mercy one of the top wine bars in the metroplex.
One of the first concepts that Mercy was based on was to help increase the wine knowledge of all of our guests. To that end, we will be launching a new program in ’09. Each week we will posting a new “blog” on our web site by a variety of folks from Mercy.
Vincent Havard, Operating Partner and GM, will be writing about specific wine; their characteristics, history, uniqueness and profile.
Liz Williams will be covering all areas of entertainment at Mercy. She will profile performers at Mercy as well as other entertainment media of interest.
Jacqueline Thain, server and wine education specialist, will cover all aspects of food and wine pairing, discuss subject relative to learning more about wines from all over the world as well as
domestic varieties.
I will be covering industry trends and general hospitality subjects. We welcome your feedback and if there are any subjects you’d like for us to address please let us know and we will be happy to tackle them. We’ll do our best to make them informative and entertaining. Hope to see you soon at Mercy and bring in the New Year with your favorite glass of vino!
Glen Agritelley
One of the first concepts that Mercy was based on was to help increase the wine knowledge of all of our guests. To that end, we will be launching a new program in ’09. Each week we will posting a new “blog” on our web site by a variety of folks from Mercy.
Vincent Havard, Operating Partner and GM, will be writing about specific wine; their characteristics, history, uniqueness and profile.
Liz Williams will be covering all areas of entertainment at Mercy. She will profile performers at Mercy as well as other entertainment media of interest.
Jacqueline Thain, server and wine education specialist, will cover all aspects of food and wine pairing, discuss subject relative to learning more about wines from all over the world as well as
domestic varieties.
I will be covering industry trends and general hospitality subjects. We welcome your feedback and if there are any subjects you’d like for us to address please let us know and we will be happy to tackle them. We’ll do our best to make them informative and entertaining. Hope to see you soon at Mercy and bring in the New Year with your favorite glass of vino!
Glen Agritelley
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